Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) means that the baby is smaller than normal at the time of the pregnancy or at birth. This should not be confused with Small for Gestational Age (SGA), which means the baby's weight at birth is at the lower end (less than 10%) of normal birth weights.

CAUSES

Medical problems with the mother:

High blood pressure.

Kidney, lung or heart disease.

Diabetes with arteriosclerosis.

Hemoglobinoathies- blood diseases.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome - a disorder of the immune system.

Other causes:

Smoking, drug abuse and excessive alcohol drinking.

Diseases of the placenta.

Having twins or more.

Malnutrition.

Infections.

Genetic problems.

Pregnant women 16 years old or younger and pregnant women 35 years old or older.

Exposure to toxic chemicals.

SYMPTOMS

Smaller than normal uterus when measuring the uterine size on the abdomen.

Ultrasound measurements of the fetuses head circumference, the abdominal circumference, the diameter of the biparietal area (sides) of the head and the length of the femur less than normal indicating IUGR.